Esther Keener Martin

Esther Keener Martin, age 102 of Lancaster, PA died Saturday evening July 25 at Trillium Place, Lancaster, PA. Born in Warwick Twp., PA she was the daughter of the late Norman L. and Ada Kendig Keener. Her husband, Richard H. “Dick” Martin passed away on June 14, 2014, after 68 years of marriage.

Esther was a graduate of Manheim Township High School. She was the first woman to serve on the Council of the Atlantic Coast Conference of the Mennonite Church and enjoyed her role as editor of the Atlantic Coast Conference Currents for 15 years.

An active member of Neffsville Mennonite Church, she was instrumental in starting the Resource Room and the Costume Department. She was active in Women’s Ministry and particularly enjoyed teaching crafts.

Her hobbies included traveling, writing, quilting, watercolor painting, and hiking and camping with her family.

Esther’s philosophy in life was always based on Philippians 4:8 (focus on the things of Heaven).

She is survived by her children: Randolph H. Martin, husband of Sherry (DeRosay) Martin, Roger E. Martin, husband of Shirley (Richer) Martin, Julie (Martin) Beittel, Richard H. Martin, husband of Pamela (Sylvester) Martin, and Jennie (Martin) Todd, wife of Don Todd, seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren and a sister, Jeanette Metzler, wife of Paul Metzler.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by four brothers and three sisters: Paul Keener, Harold Keener, John Keener, Kenneth Keener, Norma Carper, Dorothy Snavely, Miriam Buhr and a grandchild: James Kelly.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service at Neffsville Mennonite Church, 2371 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM. A viewing will occur at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be held at the Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the loving staff at Trillium Place by Tandem Living for their exceptional care of our Mom. They were more than caretakers as they became friends to Mom as well as to the entire family.